NRF and CNBC Develop New Retail Monitor; Report October Trends
The new Retail Monitor partnership reported that total October retail sales, excluding automobiles and gas, were down 0.08 percent from September and up 2.57 percent year-over-year (YoY).
EXEC: Samsonite Sees Gregory’s Q3 Sales Climb 23 Percent
Samsonite International S.A. reported sales from its Gregory backpack brand grew 23 percent in the third quarter while an overall recovery in travel led to similar gains for the overall company.
Paka releases Fully Traceable, Ethically Sourced Apu Parka
Paka, the maker of alpaca apparel, launched its “ethically-insulated” jacket—the Apu Parka. The patent-pending insulation is fully traceable, ethically sourced from local ‘alpaqueros’ and proves a more sustainable future for the clothing industry.
Free Fly Signs Surf Icon Mark Healey to Team
Free Fly, the family-owned brand and manufacturer of performance bamboo apparel, reported it signed big-wave surfer, free diver, and spear-fisherman Mark Healey as its first surf athlete and ambassador.
On Third Quarter Sales Jump 46.5 Percent and Diluted EPS Triples
On’s DTC channel recorded growth of 54.6 percent to CHF 164.7 million when compared to Q3 2022, reflecting “the strength of the On brand and ongoing ambition for DTC to outgrow wholesale.” Wholesale channel sales increased 42.6 percent to CHF 315.7 million.
Backcountry To Broaden Reach Going Wholesale With In-House Brand
Backcountry, the online specialty retailer for outdoor gear and apparel, reported it will expand its wholesale business, starting with its in-house Backcountry brand, selling since 2018, through select nationwide retailers, beginning in fall 2024.
EXEC: Giant Group October Sales Fall One-Third, Adds to Negative YTD Trend
The Taiwanese bike brand said that although they saw strong growth from the China domestic market, the weak demand from the U.S. and Europe markets for entry to mid-level products and the high inventories in the channel resulted in a 12.4 percent decline in YTD sales.
Birkenstock’s Debt Ratings Upgraded
S&P Global Ratings raised its debt ratings on Birkenstock following debt repayments using proceeds from its recent initial public offering.
EXEC: Kamik CEO Talks 125 Years of Fighting Bad Weather
The Montreal-based boot maker is celebrating its 125th anniversary of protecting feet from wet, chilly, slushy, and icy conditions. CEO Gillian Meek talked with SGB Executive about the company’s roots, the benefits of Canadian manufacturing, the brand’s strength in kid’s boots, and more.
Comfort Ones Shoes Acquires Saxon Shoes
Comfort Ones Shoes, the independent footwear chain based in Alexandria, VA., has acquired Saxon Shoes, based in Richmond, VA.
EXEC: YTD Footwear Shipments Fall Nearly 25 Percent at Yue Yuen
Year-to-date revenue attributable to footwear manufacturing activity, including athletic/outdoor shoes, casual shoes and sports sandals, decreased by 20.4 percent to US$3.50 billion as average selling prices rose in mid single digits.
Camping World to Acquire Sixth Missouri RV Dealer
Camping World Holdings, Inc. announced that the company will acquire Youngblood RV in Springfield, MO. The deal is expected to close in the first quarter of 2024, increasing the Camping World’s Missouri locations to six.
Michigan Consumer Sentiment Falls to Six-Month Low
Consumer sentiment fell for the fourth month, according to a preliminary report published for the Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index. The Index came in at 60.4, down 3.4 points, or 5.3 percent, from the October final.
Vans Settles Trademark Infringement Lawsuit Against Walmart
Vans settled a trademark lawsuit against Walmart that accused the retailer of copying the designs of “virtually all” of Vans’ sneakers, including its Old Skool low-top and Sk8-Hi high-top shoes.
Garmont Names New CEO
Italian outdoor footwear brand Garmont International hired Andrea Nalesso as CEO. Nalesso takes over from Pierangelo Bressan, who remains chairman of the board and a Garmont shareholder.
